Nigeria expresses thanks to Indonesia
Nigeria expresses thanks to Indonesia
JAKARTA (JP): Nigeria has sent a special envoy to deliver a sealed message to President Soeharto to express gratitude for Indonesia not condemning Lagos over alleged human rights violations.
Meeting yesterday with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, special envoy Mohammadu Gambo Jimeta praised Jakarta for upholding the principle of non-interference and said he was here to thank Jakarta for its unfailing support.
"We haven't come to seek it (support), but to thank Indonesia for their support and understanding," said Jimeta, who holds the post of Minister of Agriculture.
"I was able to express Nigerian gratitude for the continuous support of Indonesia and look forward to greater cooperation in our international relationships and in our bilateral relationship," he said
Indonesia was one of 42 countries who abstained from voting for a United Nations resolution condemning Lagos for executing nine human rights activities in November. The resolution still passed by an overwhelming 98 votes for and just 12 votes against.
The November execution of rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa brought the ire of the international community and led to the suspension of Nigeria's membership to the Commonwealth group of nations membership.
Jimeta called the allegations an "international conspiracy against Nigeria" which was primarily aimed at intervening in domestic affairs.
Because it is a voluntary organization, he maintained that the Commonwealth has no right to meddle in such matters and that attempts to do smack of colonialism.
"We never thought the Commonwealth would be a forum to tell us what to do in our countries, otherwise we should have still been under colonial country, if that is the case," he said.
Jimeta arrived on Thursday for a four day visit. He is scheduled to meet with President Soeharto this morning.
"I have a special message for him from his brother the head of state and commander in chief of Nigeria," he said
When asked what the contents of the special message to the president are, Jimenta said he did not know because the letter is sealed. (mds)